Leach Looking For Better Focus From Washington St

Washington State coach Mike Leach thinks the Cougars' 0-2 start this season is partially tied to a lack of focus during games.
Leach says the Cougars practice well, lift well, and train well, but don't play well.
He puts part of the blame on himself and the coaching staff. But he warns that doesn't mean players are off the hook.
Washington State (0-2) hosts Portland State (1-1) of the FCS on Saturday in the team's first home game in Pullman.
Washington State played good offense in a season-opening 41-38 loss to Rutgers in Seattle. Then the defense looked good in last weekend's 24-13 loss at Nevada.
Leach says the goal is to get both units playing together. SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) – September 11, 2014

Astros Edge Mariners 2-1

Jonathan Villar hit a tiebreaking single in the ninth inning to lift Collin McHugh and the Houston Astros over the Seattle Mariners 2-1 on Tuesday night. Logan Morrison homered off McHugh in the eighth to tie it, but the Mariners fell a half-game out in the race for the second AL wild card. With two outs in the ninth, Yoervis Medina (4-3) walked Jon Singleton and he advanced to second on a wild pitch.

Seahawks Unanimous No. 1 In Latest AP Pro32

The Seahawks were a unanimous No. 1 in this week's AP Pro32 rankings, while the Broncos and 49ers rounded out the top three in voting of media members that regularly cover the NFL.
Seattle routed the Packers in the regular-season opener, while Denver held off Indianapolis and San Francisco rolled over Dallas. The Broncos had one first-place vote a week ago.
Cincinnati climbed from a tie for 10th into fourth place after beating Baltimore on the road, and Philadelphia moved into fifth place after its come-from-behind win over Jacksonville.
Green Bay and New Orleans tied for sixth, followed by New England, Indianapolis and Arizona.
The Rams were last following their 34-6 loss to Minnesota. AP - September 10, 2014

Doomed By Miscues, Bolts Now Prep For Seahawks

When Ryan Mathews scampered 20 yards for a touchdown late in the third quarter, the San Diego Chargers led the Arizona Cardinals by 11 points.
When the final gun sounded, the Cardinals had won, 18-17.
Too many dropped passes, a botched snap and numerous defensive breakdowns doomed the Chargers, who lost their second opener in a row under coach Mike McCoy after leading by double digits in the fourth quarter.
Says McCoy, "Unfortunately in the fourth quarter we didn't play our best football, in all phases of the game."
The Chargers now face the daunting task of facing the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, who dominated the Green Bay Packers 36-16 Thursday night. SAN DIEGO (AP) – September 10, 2014

Nike Ends Business Relationship With Ray Rice

Nike is severing its business ties to Ray Rice a day after he was let go by the Baltimore Ravens and suspended indefinitely by the NFL following the release of a video showing him striking his then-fiancee in February.
Nike Inc. confirmed via email Tuesday that Rice is no longer among the athletes it is working with.
On Monday TMZ Sports released a grainy video showing Rice and Janay Palmer in an elevator at an Atlantic City casino. Each hits the other before Rice knocks Palmer off her feet and into a railing. Months ago, a TMZ video showed Rice dragging Palmer, now his wife, from the elevator at the Revel casino.
The Baltimore Ravens also said on Twitter Tuesday that they're planning to offer an exchange for Rice jerseys. NEW YORK (AP) – September 10, 2014